If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying vegetarian meal, then this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly grilled halloumi cheese paired with an array of colorful, seasoned veggies wrapped in warm corn tortillas creates a dish bursting with texture and bold taste. It’s easy to prepare, beautifully colorful, and makes an inviting meal whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe, it might just become a permanent fixture on your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, and each one has a special role to play. From the crunchy sweetness of fresh bell peppers and carrots to the unique salty bite of halloumi cheese, every element comes together to build layers of texture, flavor, and color. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly smoky crunch that brightens up the dish.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers a subtle fruity note and beautiful color contrast.
- Large red onion: Brings a mild pungency and caramelizes perfectly when cooked.
- Carrots: Provide a slightly sweet earthiness and extra crunch.
- Portabella mushrooms (2 large or 4 small/baby): Deliver a meaty, umami depth to balance the veggies.
- Fajita seasoning (1 tablespoon): The spice mix that ties the flavors together with a smoky and zesty kick.
- Halloumi cheese (5 to 8 ounces): A firm, salty cheese that grills beautifully without melting away.
- Coconut or other high heat oil (2 to 3 tablespoons): Ideal for searing and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
- Corn tortillas: Soft, warm, and perfect for wrapping all those tasty ingredients.
How to Make Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by slicing your red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, carrots, and portabella mushrooms thinly. Layering the veggies thin helps them cook evenly and soak up the fajita seasoning wonderfully in the next step.
Step 2: Season the Veggies
Place all your sliced veggies into a large bowl and add the tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Toss everything together until they are evenly coated, which will infuse your fajitas with that signature Southwestern flavor that makes them so irresistible.
Step 3: Slice the Halloumi Cheese
While the veggies are soaking up all those spices, slice the halloumi cheese into even pieces to ensure they cook consistently. Halloumi’s unique texture allows it to crisp beautifully on the outside while staying delightfully squeaky-chewy inside.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Heat a large skillet, ideally cast iron, over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of your chosen high heat oil. Add the seasoned vegetables and cook, tossing frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them slightly charred around the edges and softened but not mushy.
Step 5: Cook the Halloumi
Remove the veggies to a separate bowl or plate, then add another tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Arrange half of the halloumi slices so they aren’t touching and cook for about 3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the cheese to a paper towel lined plate and cook the remaining slices the same way, adding the last bit of oil if needed.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Now comes the joyful part: assemble your fajitas! Warm up your corn tortillas and pile them high with the charred veggies and beautifully grilled halloumi. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate your Halloumi Fajitas Recipe to another level. Fresh slices of avocado bring creaminess, while lime wedges add a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of cool crema rounds out the spicy, savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
To turn this into a complete fiesta, consider serving your fajitas alongside some classic sides like Mexican rice or black beans. A simple corn salad or a fresh tomato salsa also complements the smoky veggies and salty halloumi perfectly without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just wanting to get a bit fancy, serve the fajita components family-style on a big platter and let everyone build their own fajitas. This adds a fun interactive element to the meal and lets guests personalize their fillings and garnishes. Or try rolling the fillings into lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover veggies and halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate to avoid sogginess and reheat everything just before serving to retain the best texture.
Freezing
While halloumi doesn’t freeze particularly well because it can change in texture, the cooked veggies freeze nicely for up to a month. Defrost them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop to keep their flavor fresh.
Reheating
Reheat your fajita ingredients on a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave for the best results. This will help maintain the halloumi’s crispy edges and the veggies’ slightly charred flavor rather than turning them mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?
Halloumi’s firm texture and ability to hold its shape when cooked is key to this recipe, so while you can experiment with cheeses like paneer or queso blanco, they may not provide the same crispness or flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas keeps this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the fajita seasoning to ensure it contains no hidden gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the fajitas?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even sweet corn for added texture and flavor. Just slice them thin to ensure even cooking.
What is the best oil to use for cooking halloumi fajitas?
Choose a high smoke point oil like coconut, avocado, or grapeseed oil. These oils handle the medium-high heat well without burning and add a subtle richness to the dish.
How spicy are halloumi fajitas?
The fajita seasoning brings a mild to moderate spiciness depending on the blend you use. You can adjust the amount or opt for a milder seasoning if heat isn’t your thing, but the spice really helps bring out the fajitas’ zesty character.
Final Thoughts
This Halloumi Fajitas Recipe is truly a celebration of textures, colors, and bold flavors that come together in the most delightful way. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough to impress your friends and family. If you’re craving something fresh, satisfying, and packed with personality, give this recipe a try—you’ll love every charred, cheesy bite!
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Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Halloumi Fajitas are a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dish featuring sautéed bell peppers, onions, carrots, and portabella mushrooms seasoned with fajita spices and paired with golden, crispy halloumi cheese. Served with warm corn tortillas and optional fresh garnishes like avocado, lime, and sour cream, they make a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 large or 4 small/baby portabella mushrooms, thinly sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil or other high heat oil, divided
Cheese & Serving
- 5 to 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Optional garnishes: avocado, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, carrots, and portabella mushrooms thinly. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
- Slice the halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into slices and set aside for cooking.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of coconut or high heat oil, allowing it to warm.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the seasoned vegetables to the hot skillet. Cook, tossing frequently for 8 to 10 minutes, until they become slightly charred and softened. Then remove the cooked vegetables and set aside on a plate or in a bowl.
- Cook the halloumi cheese: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Place half of the halloumi slices in the pan, spreading them out so they don’t touch. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked cheese to a paper towel lined plate. Add the remaining oil if needed and repeat the process with the other half of the cheese slices.
- Serve: Warm the corn tortillas. Serve the cooked vegetables and halloumi together immediately, garnished with optional avocado slices, lime wedges, and sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet if possible for best char and flavor.
- Halloumi cheese is best cooked just until golden and slightly crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
- You can substitute the portabella mushrooms with other sturdy mushrooms if unavailable.
- The fajita seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Garnish with avocado, lime, and sour cream for extra layers of flavor and creaminess.
